Every week, in a town near Fort Worth, Texas, a plastic barrel train carrying nine happy dogs can be seen roaming around the streets. But what makes this sight even more heartwarming is the story behind it.
Eighty-year-old Eugene Bostick retired 15 years ago, but now he’s back doing one of the happiest ‘jobs’ you could ever think of.
He serves as a train conductor where his passengers are his nine adopted dogs.
Though it’s what every dog lover would want to spend their retirement years doing, Eugene never thought he’d be spending a lot of his time taking care of nine stray dogs.
In an interview with The Dodo, he shared that he and his family began adopting the dogs one after another when people abandoned them in their property. They started to feed them and give them shelter. They even brought the dogs for veterinary medical care.
But he doesn’t merely provide them with food and a roof over their heads. He makes sure they stay happy, too. He thought that while they have a large farm where all the dogs can run around and play together, taking them to different places in town would make them even happier.
After seeing a man with a tractor with carts for pulling rocks, he realized that a similar vehicle would enable him to take his dogs around.
And so the dog train was made. He repurposed plastic barrels by cutting holes in them, attaching wheels and linking them together.
Sure enough, the dogs do love their weekly train rides. Whenever they hear Eugene set up the tractor, the once deprived dogs would automatically jump in, excited like little kids on a field trip!
You can watch Eugene, his wards and the dog train making the rounds in this video.
Thumbs up for Eugene? :)
Contents
How to Build Your Own Dog Train
A dog train is a creative and fun way to take multiple dogs on outdoor adventures. Whether you’re transporting rescues like Eugene Bostick or just giving your pups a unique experience, building your own dog train is easier than you think.
Materials:
- Large plastic barrels or metal drums (one per dog)
- Heavy-duty wheels or repurposed wagon wheels
- Metal rods or hitch connectors (for linking carts)
- Non-slip mats or cushions (for dog comfort)
- Screws, nuts, and bolts (for secure attachments)
- Sandpaper (for smoothing rough edges)
- Drainage drill bit (to prevent water buildup)
Tools:
- Jigsaw or reciprocating saw (for cutting barrel openings)
- Power drill (for securing wheels and making drainage holes)
- Wrench set (for tightening bolts and nuts)
- Measuring tape (for proper alignment)
- Safety gloves and goggles (for protection while working)
Steps:
Choosing the Right Materials
The foundation of a good dog train starts with sturdy materials. Plastic barrels, old metal drums, or heavy-duty containers work well as seats. Each compartment should be strong enough to support a dog’s weight while providing enough space for them to sit or lie comfortably. Look for barrels with smooth interiors to prevent scratches or discomfort.
Preparing the Barrels
Once you have the barrels, cut an opening large enough for a dog to enter and exit easily. Smooth the edges with sandpaper to remove any sharp parts. Drill small drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water buildup in case of rain. A comfortable cushion or non-slip mat can be added to make the ride more enjoyable for the dogs.
Adding Wheels and Connecting the Carts
Attach heavy-duty wheels or repurpose small wagon wheels for mobility. Secure the wheels to the bottom using a strong axle system, ensuring they can swivel and handle different terrains. Use metal rods or a hitch system to link the barrels together, keeping enough space between them to prevent tipping when turning.
Attaching the Train to a Vehicle
A small tractor, ATV, or even a riding lawn mower works well for pulling the train. Make sure the connection between the lead cart and the vehicle is secure and can handle the total weight of the train and dogs. Test the setup without the dogs first to ensure stability.
Safety Considerations
Dogs should always be secured safely inside each cart. Adding a short safety strap or low railing can help prevent them from jumping out during the ride. Stick to slow speeds, avoid bumpy paths, and ensure the train has good balance. Always keep an eye on the dogs’ comfort and stop if they seem uneasy.
Making the Experience Enjoyable
Introduce your dogs to the train gradually. Let them explore it while stationary before attempting a short ride. Offering treats and using a calm voice can help them feel at ease. Once they get used to it, taking them for regular rides can become a highlight of their day.
The Benefits of Outdoor Adventures for Dogs
Taking dogs on outdoor adventures is more than just a fun activity. It provides essential physical and mental stimulation that contributes to their overall well-being. A dog train or similar outdoor excursion can be a great way to enrich their lives in ways they wouldn’t experience at home.
Physical Exercise and Health
Regular outdoor trips help dogs stay active, reducing the risk of obesity, joint issues, and heart disease. Running, walking, and even just riding in a dog train engages their muscles and keeps them in good shape. Fresh air and exposure to natural sunlight also support a strong immune system and improve their overall health.
Mental Stimulation and Stress Relief
Dogs remain psychologically interested in novel sights, smells, and sounds. In dogs who might have had a problematic history, investigating many places helps minimize boredom and reduces anxiety. Regular trips can boost confidence and enable rescue dogs to grow used to unfamiliar situations.
Socialization and Behavioral Benefits
Outdoor activities let dogs engage with humans, other animals, and strange environments. This social interaction helps children grow in good behavior and lessens anxiety or hostility in novel circumstances. Whether touring a park or riding in a train with other dogs, these encounters help them to be more flexible and polite.
Strengthening the Human-Dog Bond
Quality time spent outside strengthens the bond between pets and their owners. Participating in group events helps them to feel more secure and creates trust. Regular adventure times for dogs often translate into happier and more devoted behavior toward their owners.
A Fun and Enriching Experience
Apart from the health advantages, outdoor activities give dogs diverse schedules. Every excursion is unique, depending on the thrill of a ride, the delight of sniffing fresh locations, or just feeling the breeze on their fur. These events might change the life of dogs who might have been mistreated or abandoned.
Giving dogs outside experiences improves both their mental and physical state. These excursions—from a dog train ride to a walk to a basic trip to the park—keep them joyful, healthy, and full of life.
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The Impact of Rescue and Adoption on Stray Dogs
Rescuing and adopting stray dogs does more than just provide them with a home. It transforms their lives, giving them the love, care, and security they never had. Every adoption story is a second chance, turning abandoned dogs into happy, well-adjusted companions.
Providing Shelter and Safety
Stray dogs face countless dangers, from harsh weather conditions to traffic accidents and a lack of food. Rescue and adoption remove them from these threats, offering a warm place to sleep, regular meals, and protection from harm. A stable environment allows them to recover from past hardships and start trusting humans again.
Improving Physical and Mental Health
Neglect causes starvation, injury, or infections among many stray dogs. Adoption guarantees they have correct treatment for any medical condition, vaccines, and veterinarian care. Beyond only their physical condition, rescued canines also gain psychological. Frequent meals, love, and a safe environment help people lower tension and anxiety so they may grow more confident and social.
Breaking the Cycle of Overpopulation
Stray dogs often still reproduce, helping to generate more homeless animals. Adoption, in concert with ethical spaying and neutering, helps manage the stray population. This lessens the load on already packed shelters and helps to lower the number of canines fighting for survival on the streets.
Strengthening the Human-Animal Bond
Deep attachments between rescue pets and their new owners grow. Knowing they have a second shot, many demonstrate amazing loyalty and thanks. This link proves that love and care can heal even the toughest pasts, establishing a happy relationship between the dog and the adopter.
Inspiring Others to Adopt
Every good adoption narrative inspires others to follow suit. Observing a once-neglected dog flourish in a caring environment emphasizes the need for rescue campaigns. The more individuals choose adoption over purchasing from breeders, the fewer dogs remain to suffer on the streets or in shelters.
Taking in a stray dog affects not one life but a chain reaction that helps the entire neighborhood. From helping to lower homelessness to promoting close friendship, rescue, and adoption, provide dogs with the future they are due.
Conclusion
A dog train is more than just a fun way to transport dogs—it’s a creative way to keep them active, engaged, and happy. Whether you’re rescuing strays or simply giving your pets a new adventure, building one can bring joy to both dogs and their owners. With the right materials, safety precautions, and a little effort, you can create a unique experience that strengthens your bond with your furry companions.
We have more ways to care for your dogs. Check out our PVC dog washer project next!
